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Princess posts 2026-2027 Southeast Asia sailings

SINGAPORE, 28 March 2025: Princess Cruises has announced its 2026-2027 Southeast Asia cruise season, offering travellers sailings on Diamond Princess from its Singapore seasonal homeport.

Sales are now open for 11 sailings to 28 destinations across eight countries from November 2026 to March 2027. 

Photo credit: Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Diamond Princess.

With durations ranging from 10 to 31 days, cruises include late-night stays in Halong Bay/Hanoi, Hong Kong, Bangkok (from Laem Chabang), and Kyoto (from Osaka), offering ample time for exploration.

“Our newest Southeast Asia cruise season brings travellers to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Terry Thornton.

“Our award-winning itineraries ensure there is an option for every type of traveller, making it easier than ever to experience the rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes of multiple countries for the adventure of a lifetime.”

2026-2027 Southeast Asia programme highlights

10 to 16-day roundtrip sailings from Singapore visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. Spend the holidays at sea over Christmas and New Year’s on a 14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam itinerary, including Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), Penang, Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Laem Chabang (for Bangkok). 

16 and 24-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam itineraries include UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay in Vietnam (from Cai Lan) and stops in Phuket and Danang/Hue (Chan May). The season begins and concludes sailing between Singapore and Japan, offering options from 14 to 31 days via Taiwan and Vietnam and includes a late-night ‘More Ashore’ visit to Hong Kong. 

The 31-day Southeast Asia & Japan itinerary includes stops at the beautiful island destinations of Ishigaki, Okinawa, Kochi, and Kobe (for Kyoto).

Access to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Singapore Botanical Gardens, established in 1859 with over 10,000 types of flora and The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nata from (Osaka). 

Festive season 2025 sailings from Singapore 

In an earlier announcement made in 2024 (Princess Cruises returns to Singapore – TTR Weekly), Diamond Princess will offer cruises ranging from 10 to 21- days from December 2025 to February 2026, homeporting out of Singapore. 

Guests can visit 10 exotic destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, including Sihanoukville in Cambodia, where they can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.

The 2,670-guest Diamond Princess will sail on a 12-day repositioning cruise from Yokohama on 25 November 2025, visiting Toba, Osaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City before arriving in Singapore on 6 December to kick off her Singapore season.

InterContinental brand returns to Cambodia

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, 25 March 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is working with Peninsula Bay Investment Co Ltd to return InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ core brand to Cambodia. 

When it opens in 2028, the 300-room InterContinental Sihanoukville will feature dining venues, bars, a spa, and coastal views catering to both leisure and business guests.

InterContinental brand returns to Cambodia.

The property is part of the Peninsula Bay Integrated Resort development, which comprises hotels, retail outlets, entertainment and a casino. Located a 30-minute commute from Sihanoukville International Airport, the project is within easy reach of Otres Beach, Ream National Park and Wat Leu Pagoda temple.

IHG Vice President Development South East Asia & Korea Bryan Chan said: “At IHG, we’re proud to be returning the world’s first and largest luxury brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, to Cambodia – a move in keeping with our great pioneering tradition in the luxury space and our grand history in the country.

“The Peninsula Bay development joins the ranks of other integrated resort developments that IHG partners with, including the Grand Ho Tram in Vietnam, Newport World Resorts in the Philippines, and upcoming projects in HANN resorts.”

Peninsula Bay General Manager Eddie Chua said: “Partnering with IHG allows us to deliver unmatched experiences in hospitality and retail. This development is a testament to our vision of blending luxury, innovation, and Cambodia’s natural beauty to create a destination like no other.”  

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism is spearheading a comprehensive roadmap, which has led to a 23% increase in international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 1.4%. 

IHG continues to grow in Indochina with 22 open hotels and 26 properties in the pipeline as the region is set to double its current size in the future. InterContinental Sihanoukville will join Six Senses Krabey Island and the upcoming Vignette Collection Phnom Penh Odom due to open in 2027.

Etihad schedules flights to Taiwan

SINGAPORE, 28 March 2025: Etihad Airways will commence direct daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei starting 7 September 2025, using a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 for the eight-hour and 10-minute flight.

It’s the first direct route between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Taiwan.

Photo credit: Etihad Airways.

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, and the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Chinese artefacts globally. Visitors can also explore historic temples like Longshan Temple, night markets like Shilin, and natural retreats like Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Springs.

Flight schedule

Bookings are open via popular GDS and booking websites.

Etihad and Air France end codeshares

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways and the Air France-KLM Group are ending their codeshare agreements effective 31 March and interline agreements on 14 April. This move ends two commercial pacts that started in 2012 and significantly expanded in 2023.

In a concise website post, Etihad confirmed its interline agreement with Air France-KLM would conclude on 14 April 2025. Popular aviation watchers reported earlier this week that the codeshare agreement involving around 83 codeshare routes would phase out at the end of March.

Etihad noted that ticketing all bookings, including Air France or KLM segments, must be finalised by 14 April 2025. 

The airline explained that there will be no impact on already-ticketed bookings and that the “Frequent Flyer Partnership will remain unchanged. 

Air France codeshare routes to Asia flown by Etihad 

Abu Dhabi – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Abu Dhabi – Chennai
Abu Dhabi – Colombo
Abu Dhabi – Denpasar
Abu Dhabi – Hyderabad
Abu Dhabi – Jakarta
Abu Dhabi – Jeddah
Abu Dhabi – Kolkata
Abu Dhabi – Kuala Lumpur
Abu Dhabi – Manila
Abu Dhabi – Mumbai
Abu Dhabi – Phuket
Abu Dhabi – Singapore

KLM codeshare routes to Asia flown by Etihad

Abu Dhabi – Chennai
Abu Dhabi – Colombo
Abu Dhabi – Hyderabad
Abu Dhabi – Islamabad
Abu Dhabi – Karachi
Abu Dhabi – Lahore

Centara steps up Centara Life brand in Thailand

BANGKOK, 27 March 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts and Patch Patana Land and Business (1994) Co Ltd announced the signing of a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) for Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi

Senior management teams from both companies signed the agreement at a Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld ceremony.

Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi, a contemporary 69-key property that opened in Q3 2022, has officially operated under Centara’s management since 20 March 2025. 

Located in the heart of Ratchaburi town near Robinson Lifestyle Centre, the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the region’s landmarks, vibrant markets, and natural attractions, including the Ratchaburi National Museum, Wat Mahathat Worawihan, and Ruesi Khao Ngu Cave.

“We are proud to welcome Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi into our growing portfolio,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat.

“This property aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences in new domestic and international destinations. With its central location and contemporary offerings, Centara Life Wisma will not only serve as a convenient base for business and leisure travellers but also enhance the region’s appeal as a destination for cultural exploration and tourism.”

Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi is a perfect fit for the Centara Life brand, which is built on elevating the essentials and giving guests the freedom to choose what they need whenever they need it. 

With its sleek design and thoughtful amenities—including an all-day dining restaurant, flexible meeting spaces, and an impressive ballroom—the hotel caters to solo travellers, couples, business guests, and families alike. Its central location provides easy access to Ratchaburi’s vibrant attractions, offering a convenient and memorable stay.

For more information about Centara Life Wisma Ratchaburi, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara-life/cwr

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts has a portfolio of 90 properties in all major Thai destinations, as well as in the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. Its portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.

Dusit International scales up in the Philippines 

BANGKOK, 27 March 2025: Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Primex Realty Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of publicly listed property developer Primex Corporation, to manage Dusit Greenhills Manila in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Set to open at the end of 2026, the upper-upscale urban retreat will feature 200 guest rooms and world-class facilities across the top 10 floors of Primex Tower, a landmark 50-storey mixed-use development in an affluent residential district, just 45 minutes by car from Manila International Airport. The tallest skyscraper in the area, the tower will also house premium retail and office spaces, further enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for business and leisure travellers.

Guests can unwind in style while enjoying sweeping city views from the comfort of their room.

Alongside Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, guests will have the opportunity to savour award-winning Thai cuisine at Benjarong, enjoy international favourites at the all-day dining restaurant, take in breathtaking skyline views from the rooftop bar, unwind by the rooftop swimming pool, and stay active at the gym. The hotel will also feature a ballroom with spectacular city views and fully equipped meeting rooms, providing an ideal setting for business and social events. Guests will enjoy easy access to Greenhills Mall, San Juan’s premier shopping and dining destination.

“We are delighted to partner with Primex Realty Corporation to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the heart of San Juan City,” said Dusit International Chief Operating Officer Gilles Cretallaz.

“With its prime location and seamless access to shopping, dining, and business hubs, Dusit Greenhills Manila will be ideally positioned to serve discerning travellers and local residents alike. With nine more properties in the pipeline set to open in the Philippines over the next five years, this signing reinforces the country’s status as Dusit’s second-largest destination outside of Thailand. We remain committed to expanding our presence and delivering exceptional guest experiences across the nation while setting new benchmarks in hospitality.” 

Primex Realty Corporation Executive Vice President & Director Karlvin Ernest L Ang added: “We are pleased to collaborate with Dusit International to bring a world-class hotel experience to Primex Tower. Dusit’s reputation for luxury hospitality, combined with our vision for this landmark development, will create an outstanding destination in San Juan. We are confident that this partnership will add significant value to our flagship project, and we look forward to its success.”

Dusit International operates 296 properties across 18 countries, including 57 under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 239 luxury villas under Elite Havens. In the Philippines, Dusit’s existing portfolio includes Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Dusit Thani Residence Davao, dusitD2 Davao, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort. With more than 60 new Dusit-branded properties in the pipeline globally, including several key developments in the Philippines, Dusit continues strengthening its footprint in established and emerging destinations.

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies that offers guests a memorable stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes close to 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.
For more information, visit dusit.com

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services. 
For more information, visit dusit-international.com

Agoda’s top spots for a Songkran splash

BANGKOK, 27 March 2025: With mid-April fast approaching, Thailand is getting ready to celebrate the New Year festival of Songkran from 13 to 15 April. 

In Bangkok, iconic locations such as Khao San Road and Silom Road are often the go-to spots for celebrations that always mean getting wet. This year, digital travel platform Agoda shares five alternative destinations across Thailand for travellers seeking fresh ways to enjoy Songkran and explore beyond the capital.

Photo: https://www.sindhornmidtown.com

Songkran, celebrated as the Thai New Year, is more than just water fights; it’s a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural significance. This long holiday allows families to reunite, honour traditions, and celebrate with loved ones.

Agoda showcases five alternative destinations across Thailand that bring their charm to Songkran. From the historical landmarks of Ayutthaya to the tropical beaches of Phuket, these locations allow travellers to enjoy diverse celebrations, sample regional cuisine, and explore local traditions.

Ayutthaya

Travellers can celebrate Songkran amidst the majestic historical sites of Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya. The blend of ancient temples and joyful water festivities creates a distinctive atmosphere. Visitors can explore lively local markets and savour traditional Ayutthaya dishes like boat noodles.

Chiang Mai

This northern city is renowned for its traditional Lanna-style celebrations. Visitors can witness elaborate cultural parades, engage in spirited water fights along the ancient city walls, and partake in the sacred ritual of pouring scented water over Buddha statues at revered temples. The city also offers unique culinary experiences, showcasing northern Thai cuisine.

Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen, located in the heart of Northeast Thailand, offers an authentic Isaan Songkran experience on its renowned “Sticky Rice Street.” Visitors can enjoy cultural performances and traditional ceremonies and savour the region’s distinctive cuisine, such as Moo Yor, Gai Yang with Nam Jim Jaew, and Tam Mak Hoong.

Pattaya

Famous for its extended Songkran festivities, Pattaya transforms into a lively hub of beachside events, street parties, and energetic live entertainment. The coastal city provides a unique blend of traditional celebrations and modern entertainment, with various seafood options. 

Phuket

This island paradise offers a tropical twist on Songkran. Water fights take on a beachside atmosphere, complemented by stunning coastal scenery and a bustling nightlife. Visitors can experience the fusion of Thai traditions with the island’s cosmopolitan vibe while enjoying fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Agoda Country Director Thailand Akaporn Rodkong said: “Songkran is a special time for Thai people to reconnect with their families and traditions. Agoda is here to help travellers embrace the spirit of Songkran by offering fantastic deals on accommodations, flights, and activities, all conveniently bookable on one platform.”

Agoda is launching the “Songkran Fest” promotion, offering travellers an extra 10% discount at participating hotels in Thailand. The promotion is available for bookings made until 15 April 2025, with stays valid until 15 April 2025. 

(SOURCE: Agoda)

Air India Express adds B737-8 MAX to fleet

SINGAPORE, 27 March 2025: Aviation Capital Group confirmed Tuesday the delivery of one Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Air India Express. 

Featuring CFM International LEAP-1B engines, this is the final aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and Air India Express.

Photo credit: Air India Express.

ACG specialises in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance with approximately 500 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of 31 December, 2024, leased to roughly 85 airlines in approximately 45 countries. 

Meanwhile, Air India has welcomed its first retrofitted narrowbody A320neo aircraft ( VT-EXN) back into operations – marking an important milestone in the airline’s transformation journey. 

It is the first of the 27 narrowbody aircraft inherited at the time of the takeover and was scheduled for a retrofit to the new Air India standard. The retrofit included new seats, a three-class cabin configuration, a fresh coat of paint, and a new livery — all in the new Air India branding.

VT-EXN was sent for retrofit last year as part of a USD 400 million retrofit programme announced by the Tata group to upgrade the airline’s entire legacy narrowbody and widebody fleet.

(Source: Business Wire)

Oceania Riveria debuts in the South Pacific

SINGAPORE, 27 March 2025: Oceania Cruises is preparing its 1,250-guest ship Riviera to sail its first-ever Australia and New Zealand season.

The 2026 Australia and New Zealand season will run from November 2025 to March 2026. Itineraries will range from 14 to 35 days and depart from multiple ports across the region. 

Photo credit Oceania Cruises. Riviera explores Australia and New Zealand.

Riviera presents its Culinary Centre, introducing a new cooking class this year: “Down Under Abundance,” inspired by the richness of ingredients found in Australia and New Zealand. 

Australia and New Zealand/South Pacific voyage highlights

Komodos & Kangaroos: 22 days from Singapore to Sydney, visiting Surabaya, Bali, Lombok, Komodo, Waingapu Sumba, Perth, Busselton, Albany, Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), Adelaide, Melbourne and Burnie. Departs 18 November  2025.

South Pacific Archipelagos: 19 days from Sydney to Papeete, visiting Noumea, Mystery Island, Lautoka, Suva, Nuku’alofa, Vava’u, Apia, Pago Pago, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Huahine and Moorea. Departs 10 December  2025.

Azure Atolls to Auckland: 18 days from Papeete) to Auckland, visiting Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Alofi, Pago Pago, Apia, Suva, Nuku’alofa and Bay of Islands. Departs 6 January  2026.

Maori Heritage Route: 14 days from Auckland to Sydney, visiting Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart and Melbourne. Departs 25 January  2026.

Outback to Verdant Bali: 14 days from Sydney to Bali, visiting Brisbane, Whitsunday Island, Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs 8 February 2026.

Melanesian Marvels: 21 days from Bali to Sydney, visiting Komodo, Kupang (West Timor), Darwin, Port Moresby, Alotau, Honiara, Luganville (Espiritu Santo), Port Vila, Lautoka, Suva and Noumea. Departs 22 February 2026.

Kiwi & Coral Seascapes: 21 days from Auckland to Singapore, visiting the Bay of Islands, Sydney, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Komodo and Bali. Departs 30 March 2026.

Minecraft inspires young Indians to visit NZ

MUMBAI, 27 March 2025: Tourism New Zealand has selected Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, to showcase the destination in a fresh “gaming” format. 

The joint marketing campaign coincides with the launch of the upcoming “A Minecraft Movie”, shot in New Zealand (partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures and Mojang Studios) to create a world-first destination Minecraft DLC (downloadable content), inviting users to ‘play’ New Zealand in game mode.   

With over 300 million copies sold, Minecraft is the best-selling video game ever. The innovative joint marketing collaboration with Tourism New Zealand will reach Thomas Cook and SOTC’s young Indian consumer base, which actively engages with Minecraft. The campaign creatives offer a teaser of the game, set against vibrant backdrops and experiences in New Zealand, including Waitomo Caves (Waikato), Rotorua (Bay of Plenty), Kapiti Island (Wellington), Abel Tasman (Nelson/Tasman), Tekapo (Mackenzie), and Doubtful Sound (Fiordland).

This initiative intends to make young Indians the protagonists of their travel stories, inspiring them to recreate their Minecraft experience via a real-life adventure trip to New Zealand. 

To ensure the quick transition from gaming to booking, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have created a range of fun Minecraft itineraries designed around experiences featured in the Minecraft Aotearoa New Zealand DLC — from paddling a waka/canoe in Abel Tasman, visiting glowworm caves in Waitomo, or stargazing in Tekapo. 

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy, hopes the initiative will inspire people to convert pixels into plane tickets and visit New Zealand to play for real. 

“This is our chance to invite Indian travellers to play Aotearoa New Zealand and show how much fun people can have here. We want to give people an immersive taste of what New Zealand offers, and our marketing collaboration with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel intends to highlight this.” 

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel President and Group head – Marketing, Service Quality, Value-added Services and Innovation Abraham Alapatt said: “India’s young, dynamic demographic is engaging with travel in new ways, and leveraging gaming offers a unique opportunity to connect. With the Minecraft DLC set against New Zealand’s landscapes, our campaign intends to convert their digital journey into a real-world adventure and experience New Zealand firsthand.”

Star Alliance catches the train

Star Alliance, together with 25 member airlines, welcomed ÖBB as its newest intermodal partner. (CNW Group/Star Alliance)

SINGAPORE, 27 March 2025: Star Alliance, together with 25 member airlines, welcomed ÖBB as its newest intermodal partner, which will allow customers of ÖBB and Star Alliance member airlines to seamlessly begin or conclude their long-distance journey on ÖBB’s Railjet trains.

The connections between airlines and trains will be available to and from Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck in Austria.

Star Alliance, together with 25 member airlines, welcomed ÖBB as its newest intermodal partner. (CNW Group/Star Alliance)

Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “Air and Rail have complemented each other as transport modes for several years around the world, and we are proud to welcome ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways, to the Star Alliance family. Customers can now travel from Singapore to Salzburg with a single ticket, switching from a flight to Railjet at the Vienna airport. I am confident that not only will this partnership offer more choice, but it will also enhance the seamlessness in customer journeys.”

 ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) CEO Andreas Matthä commented: “Traveling from the main train stations in Linz, Salzburg, Graz, or Innsbruck to destinations worldwide will soon be even easier. 

This will make train journeys an even more flexible and seamless part of air travel — not just with one airline group, but a global network of 25 airlines.”

The partnership is founded on ÖBB and Austrian Airlines’ long-standing cooperation to offer rail-to-air connectivity, known as AIRail, which was launched in 2014. It has allowed passengers to travel conveniently between major Austrian cities and Vienna Airport by train, with integrated ticketing and check-in services.

Introduced in August 2022 with Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, the Star Alliance Intermodal Partnership model allows an alliance-wide airline network to be combined with a railway, bus and ferry. 

Customer benefits 

More booking convenience: Customers will receive a combined ticket for the flight and train journeys, including seat reservations, in a single booking process.

More check-in convenience: Customers can check in online or at one of the ÖBB Travel Centers in Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck and receive boarding passes for both flight and train journeys.

About Star Alliance
The member airlines are Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.